Section III: Evolving townscapes and landscapes within their settings: managing dynamic change Section III: Gérer le changement – les villes et les paysages dans leur milieu
SAN PAWL MILQI , BURMARRAD , MALTA – PRESENTATION OF A
MULTI-CULTURAL SITE IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
Shirley Cefai , / Malta / Italy
Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Malta
Joann Cassar / Malta / Italy
Institute for Masonry and Construction Research, University of Malta
Davide Locatelli / Malta / Italy
Missione Archeologica Italiana, c/o Istituto di Archeologia, Università Cattolica di Milano, Italy
Location and landscape
San Pawl Milqi is to be found in the North-Eastern part of
the island of Malta (Figure 1). The church dedicated to San
Pawl Milqi (Saint Paul “welcomed”) and the archaeological
remains all around it stand about half way up the slope of
Gebel Ghawzara, a 116 m high hill which represents the
oriental offshoot of Wardija Ridge. The site overlooks
Burmarrad valley, today an agricultural plain, near to the
Bugibba promontory and Qawra point to the NW, to
Tal-Qadi and Ghallis Point to the NE, and opened to the
N-NE on the narrow inlet of Salina, where 16th century
saltpans are still operational.
The area presents the classic geological sequence of the
Maltese Islands (Pedley et al., 2002): the Upper Coralline
Limestone cap on top of Gebel Ghawzara covers a layer of
Globigerina Limestone: along the contact line between the
two different kinds of limestone, vegetation (bushes, carob
trees and a few olive trees) marks the spring line due to the
presence of a layer of Blue Clay and reveals the presence of
cavities: along the hill, reeds indicate water circulation and
catchment points.
On the lower part, the sides of the hill are cultivated in
wide terraces. All the area is very fertile and the soil is
enriched with phosphorite coming from the Globigerina
layer. In addition, all the area is rich in water, and it is likely
to have been one of the most productive areas of the island
even in antiquity.
Burmarrad plain is at the confluence of different valleys
coming from the central part of the Great Fault (Wied
il-Ghasel) and from the south-oriental part of Wardija Ridge
(Ghajn Rihana, Wied ta’ l-Arkata, Wied Qanotta). In effect,
the plain is one of the main water catchment areas in Malta,
and is the most important one together with the Marsa area.
Diachronic analysis of the area shows the picture of a
changing landscape, modified by natural and human
activities. Within the evolutionary framework, water is to be
considered a substantial morphogenetic issue, as an agent for
chemical and physical erosion, and for the transport and
deposition of sediment. As a result of alluvium, the original
coastline has radically changed: Salina Bay is supposed to
have been a deep inlet coming almost to the base of Gebel
Ghawzara1. The plain, once a harbour, is now silted as a
result of sedimentation, due to continuous soil movement or
sudden events such as flash floods.
In addition, agricultural terraces built up over centuries all
over the slopes of the valleys had a deep impact on the
appearance of the surroundings of San Pawl Milqi, and even
today the building expansion of the urban centre of
Burmarrad is encroaching on the hill.
In such a landscape, San Pawl Milqi is to be found in a
position of control, situated on a wide natural terrace that
breaks the North-Eastern slope of Gebel Ghawzara. The
Baroque church that dominates the archaeological site
(Figure 2) stands as a real landmark, visible from all over the
area from the North, South, East and West, and above all
for all who approached the coast from North to East. In this
dominating position, the archaeological area is exposed to
often strong winds from the North East and from the North
West which often batter the church and the archaeological
remains.
Recent archaeological studies have confirmed that the site
was originally situated on an important harbour that is now
silted, and was surrounded by agricultural land2. The whole
area is rich in archaeological remains belonging to different
periods. Settlement continuity in the area shows that fertility
and hydrogeological conditions (the presence of springs and
water, and the possibility of commanding a natural harbour)
must have been considered very favourable for settlement
from the Neolithic period onwards. The same area, in its
1
BRUNO 2004, 32; T. Gambin (PhD Bristol University), personal
communication.
2
T. Gambin, personal communication.
Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes
Section III: Evolving townscapes and landscapes within their settings: managing dynamic change Section III: Gérer le changement – les villes et les paysages dans leur milieu
evolution, probably required the settlers to adopt specific
adaptation strategies to meet some of the changes such as
silting, for example, or soil erosion. As in other parts of the
Maltese Islands, terraced rubble walls represent a typical
feature of the landscape, to delineate properties, but above
all as a natural answer to the climatic and hydrogeological
situation, with the creation of agricultural surfaces and the
retention of moisture in cultivated land and the protection
from wind and water erosion.
The multi-cultural site
The most prominent feature of this impressive and
important site is the small 17th century church dedicated to
San Pawl Milqi. In the area surrounding this church,
archaeological excavations brought to light evidence of
prehistoric settlement (from 6000 to 3500 years BC),
followed by the structures of a little Punic farmhouse (from
4th to 3rd century BC) that had evolved into a rural Villa by
the end of the 2nd century B.C., when Malta was already
under the Roman rule. The Villa was still in use at least to
the 4th century AD, with residential quarters and adjoining
structures aimed at the production of olive oil. This
important complex kept developing different forms at least
up to the Byzantine and Arab period (6th-9th century AD).
After the Medieval period, there is evidence that at least one
church was constructed on site: the one that exists to the
present day was built in the first half of the 17th century
(Missione 1963-1964).
Potential and value of the site
Research carried out to date on the site shows its huge
potential, from scientific, archaeological, historical and
educational points of view. The value of San Pawl Milqi in
the Maltese and Mediterranean context is great. This is one
of the many Roman Villas that are known from surveys
carried out all around the Maltese territory, and the only one
where research has been carried out in depth. Further
excavations will enhance knowledge of economic, cultural,
and social issues affecting the Maltese Islands from the
Punic to the Arab period. Were a museographic project to be
carried out on the site, this will put scholars and the general
public in a better position towards gaining a more
comprehensive idea of all the historic periods of the island.
The monument as a whole, with the archaeological features
and the little church dedicated to Saint Paul, would form an
important part of the cultural heritage of the Maltese Islands,
and serve as a primary educational resource for the future
generations.
Besides, popular tradition states that the residence of
Publius, the then Roman Governor of the island, who
welcomed the Apostle to Malta in 60 A.D., was situated here.
This connection, even if not confirmed by archaeological
evidence, makes San Pawl Milqi an important focus within
the religious landscape of the Maltese Islands, as a place of
pilgrimage for the Maltese and for foreigners.
Besides this 17 century church, the most impressive
features of the site are the archaeological remains of the
Roman Villa, which extends over a surface area of 2500 m2
on different levels, all around and even under the Baroque
building (Figure 3). Limestone walls (in Globigerina as well
as Coralline Limestone), preserved up to a height of two
meters, delineate regular rooms paved with cocciopesto (a
lime-based durable flooring material) or stone floors. The
walls are decorated with frescoes that are partially preserved.
Olive presses and oil vats are still there to show the rural and
economic activity of the settlement.
Most importantly, the area is a very good example of an
ever-changing cultural landscape. The site has unfortunately
always been out of the usual visitor itinerary. Previous
attempts to open the area to the general public have proved
unsuccessful, in spite of the obvious potential of the
monument. The importance of the site necessitates a new
project that will lead to its proper presentation, a fact
which will also help put it on the cultural map of Malta, a
place which it lacks but which it richly deserves. Protection,
conservation and use of cultural heritage are also major
economic issues, since they drive the sustainable growth of
tourism. This is even more valid today as there is a healthy
demand for cultural tourism.
During the 1960s, a boundary wall was built which
incorporates an area of approximately 4000 m2 (Figure 4).
Unfortunately the boundary wall does not include all the
archaeological structures: some of these are found behind
the church, on the other side of a small country-road that
deeply cuts the rock in the North-West part of the
archaeological area, exposing the soft yellowish layers of
Globigerina Limestone and even cutting through some of the
archaeological features.
A project for San Pawl Milqi is thus deemed necessary so
as to give the site its proper value and to have a say in how
the landscape will change in the future. A museographic
project, together with a conservation project, are urgently
required to protect and preserve the site and most
importantly to correctly enhance the didactic value of the
site by presenting it to the public in an appropriate and
informative manner.
th
As part of this new project, the site can be promoted as
Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes
Section III: Evolving townscapes and landscapes within their settings: managing dynamic change Section III: Gérer le changement – les villes et les paysages dans leur milieu
part of a holistic visitor itinerary based on the historic and
archaeological landscape of this part of the island, the
proximity of other important monuments and a heritage trail
which is being planned for the Northern part of the island.
Even religious itineraries, linked to the tradition of Saint
Paul, are to be considered.
boundary wall which will replace the old one.
One issue that must be tackled both from a scientific and
visual point of view is the decision of what type of fencing
should be put on site so as to help protect it. And this, not
only from a preservation point of view, but also not to create
visual pollution.
Background to the current project
The end of the excavations and the archaeological survey
will also lead to stratigraphic analysis in different areas. This
will allow a better understanding of the different levels of
the archaeological structures and a collection of
chronological data. The study of artefacts will give
indications regarding the type of economy, the different
products that were produced, life and culture of the site in its
different stages of its existence. All the technical information
will be collected and edited so to make the information
accessible to visitors. This will then form part of the vast
amount of information to be made available to the visitor.
How this will in fact be presented is explained further on.
As already explained, San Pawl Milqi is a multi-stratified
deposit; it also has a long and complex modern history
(Locatelli 2000). The site was archaeologically investigated
from 1963 to 1968: excavations were then carried out by the
Missione Archeologica Italian, Universita’ Cattolica del
Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy, in agreement with the Museums
Department of Malta (Missione 1963-1968).
For the following thirty years, as funds were no longer
available, all research on site was suspended. Archaeological
investigations had a new start in 2000, with a new project
entitled “San Pawl Milqi 2000” being prepared by the
Missione Archeologica Italiana in partnership with the
University of Malta and the local heritage authorities3 (Ref.
3).
The basis of this new project is a new archaeological
mission, aimed at the conclusion of the site investigations
and the dissemination of the results of the excavations
(Locatelli, 2002). In addition, a start has been made
concerning the study of the environmental conditions
surrounding the exposed archaeological remains together
with those of the ruins situated beneath the existing structure
of the church. Given the porous nature of the local
Globigerina Limestone (Cassar, 2002), together with the
actions of salt, wind and fluctuating humidity, the site has
undergone fast deterioration over the past thirty years. A
conservation plan for the site is thus also being set up, in
conjunction with the presentation of the site to the public by
means of a museographic project.
The current project
1 Preliminary studies: Archaeological remains
A complete archaeological survey of the area, which is
currently lacking, must be carried out. This is important
primarily to identify all the features of archaeological
interest that exist within the area of San Pawl Milqi and
hence determine a definite and complete footprint for a new
3
The new project is funded by the Italian government (Ministero
per gli Affari Esteri), under the Patronage of the Italian Embassy
and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Malta
2 The site and its environment
In June 2000, a thorough cleaning of the site was carried
out, in conjunction with the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro,
of Rome, Italy. A number of proposals were drafted for
specific interventions to be carried out on the limestone
blocks, plaster remains and the paving (Bergamaschi &
Rossi, 2000-2001). Works carried out in 2001 initially
focused on a number of severely deteriorated Globigerina
Limestone blocks forming part of the Roman Villa (Figure
5). The highly porous and soft limestone was showing
severe signs of weathering, including fracturing, structural
instability, and alveolar weathering (honeycombing). This
work was later followed by the backfilling of a number of
trenches which had been excavated in the 1960s.
One year later, discussions between the Missione
Archeologica and the International Institute of Baroque
Studies of the University of Malta led to a renewed interest
in the conservation of the site. A number of site visits which
then took place by the authors of this paper showed that,
although much of the site, which is exposed to harsh
environmental conditions, is in a bad state of conservation,
one particular area of interest seemed to have survived better.
The area in question was the part of the Villa that lies
beneath the church. One does in fact expect a sheltered area
to deteriorate at a slower rate than one that is not sheltered,
due to the fact that the environmental conditions in a
protected area are more stable. However, no data was at that
point available. It was therefore decided to analyse this
phenomenon by examining both the external and internal
situations.
The
studies
carried
out
included
Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes
mapping
and
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environmental monitoring. A detailed mapping exercise of
deterioration forms, and their extent, was carried out on two
sample walls (Magri, 2003 and Agius, 2004). This was
supplemented by a continuous air monitoring campaign
which took place over a period of many months.
3 Mapping
The mapping of weathering forms permits one to obtain a
clear and detailed idea of the weathering state of each
particular stone on a building or archaeological site. For the
mapping at San Pawl Milqi, two short stretches of walls, one
exposed and one underneath the church, were chosen. Most
of the blocks in both cases consisted of Globigerina
Limestone, although there were also a few stones made of
Coralline Limestone (Pedley et al., 2002) .
The results of the mappings clearly showed that the
external wall was in a much worse state of conservation than
the internal wall. Besides helping to provide an evaluation of
the type and extent of deterioration in the two walls, this
mapping exercise also allowed for the documentation of
previous interventions, never before recorded. Thus, it was
seen that the external wall, besides being much more
seriously deteriorated, had, unlike the internal one, already
undergone a number of interventions in an attempt to
preserve it.
4 Environmental monitoring
Identifying the risks facing an archaeological site is the
primary stage in a preventive conservation programme
which can provide, long term, for its conservation and
preservation. Fluctuating environmental conditions are
known to be potential damaging factors for porous building
materials (Cassar, 2002). It was therefore decided to
continuously monitor the internal and external air
temperature and relative humidity at different points in the
site from December 2002 to April 2004. This was carried out
in three different locations: in the church, beneath the church
just above the mapped wall, and outside adjacent to the
second mapped wall. These areas were chosen to enable
comparison of three different environments.
An overview of the months of monitoring indicated that
the fluctuations in both temperature and relative humidity
underground and in the church were less than outside. The
reason for this is the buffering effect which the thick stone
walls and foundations of the church provide for these areas.
The walls within the church vary from 1.9m to 0.83m in
thickness. In addition, a wooden floor constructed after the
excavation of the underground area also provides thermal
lag and lessens the humidity fluctuations.
These results have been evaluated in the light of the
presence of high concentrations of soluble salts in a site
which still remains close to the sea and which was once
completely buried underneath layers of soil. Since the results
have shown that fluctuations are greatest outside, one can
conclude that the external environment is not a suitable one
for the remaining stone fabric of the Roman Villa. The
underground situation provides a more stable environment
allowing a slower rate of deterioration to take its course.
This is important information which needs to be taken into
consideration when elaborating a conservation plan for the
site, including both the church and the Roman Villa.
Conservation of the site
The results of the monitoring, which is planned to be
extended by means of a weather station placed close to the
site, will lead to a final decision to be taken concerning the
interpretation and presentation of the site. Possible options
are: reburial of the site; covering of the site by a roof or
shelter; building an enclosure (designed to accommodate the
monumental features of the archaeological complex);
leaving the area uncovered and carrying out specific, and
possibly regular, conservation treatments. If it is decided to
build a structure over the archaeological site, whether as a
shelter or enclosure, studies must be carried out to determine
the morphology of the land. This will help avoid runoff
water flowing through the site. Another point to be carefully
investigated is the number and location of supports that will
impinge directly on the archaeological area. It must also be
decided whether windbreakers are required all around the
site, in one particular area or perhaps not at all.
It is also important to have a clear idea as to the type of
microclimate that will be created within such a structure.
Covering the archaeological site may also change the
environmental conditions underneath the church as presently
a cistern is linked directly from outside to the archaeological
remains underneath the church. Materials to be used,
orientation and ventilation need to be carefully studied. The
problems created by the wind and the environment in
general must be studied in detail. An indication as to the type
of environment suitable for this site can be extrapolated
form the data gathered during the study of the environment
under the church. Here, as also the mapping exercise has
shown, the archaeological remains have been well preserved
when compared with the external environment where the
archaeological remains have suffered serious and
pronounced deterioration.
A long-term conservation plan for the site is therefore to
be set up and implemented. This cannot be designed prior to
further environmental monitoring and analysis. It might also
require and include emergency conservation works at a
Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes
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number of critical points. The issues tackled in the
conservation project will form the basis for guidelines for a
maintenance plan of the archaeological area together with
the final decision about its protection and display.
1 Museographic display of site
The archaeological site, together with the church, greatly
lend themselves to a museographic display. The main
objective of the current project is thus to design a didactic
presentation of the site to the public, to allow access to the
site and to explain the multi-faceted aspects of the area,
whilst also respecting conservation issues.
due to their proximity to the archaeological site and the
church. The concrete flooring of these rooms, which
would create a scar on the landscape were it removed, could
be retained and refurbished to house information panels
explaining the archaeological site.
The focus of the didactic presentation will be a visitors’
centre which will manage and orientate visitors entering the
site. The location of this centre will have to be studied very
carefully so as not to disturb the skyline or the landscape.
Other important aspects, which could also have a dramatic
impact on the landscape, will be the presentation and
conservation of the archaeological remains. It was
recognised at an early stage that these aspects in particular
require focused studies to be carried out to understand how
and why the archaeological site is deteriorating, and if and
how this deterioration can be controlled, possibly through
the museographic methodology adopted. The least
problematic intervention vis-à-vis the cultural landscape is
considered to be the refurbishment of the church which is
already an important and accepted feature of the surrounding
area.
3 The church
It is thought that prior to the 17th century church that
currently exists on site, at least another church existed in the
same location with its foundations partially resting on the
older Roman walls4 (Ref. 4).
2 Visitors’ centre
The visitors’ centre will house all the basic amenities that
visitors require. It will have a small orientation space to
explain and prepare the visitor for the wealth of information
the site has to offer. More information about the site and its
history can be given in other areas, as is discussed later on,
possibly within the existing 17th century church as well as
the archaeological site itself. The location of the visitors’
centre is crucial as it is the first impact the visitors will have
as they approach the site.
The ideal site for this centre is to the North East of the
church, underneath the plateau, an area which is not
currently within the boundary wall. This will allow the
building to be close to the archaeological site, yet it will not
create a negative visual impact as it does not puncture the
skyline. It will also allow the site to unfold to the visitor as
he/she walks up to the archaeological site itself.
Situated on the plateau, above the location just mentioned
for the visitors’ center, there exist rooms built during the
1960s as store rooms (Figure 6). These rooms are not in a
good state of repair and hence it would be ideal to demolish
them so as to eliminate the negative impact on the skyline
More information panels can also be designed and
incorporated into the itinerary around the archaeological site
- care always being taken not to impinge directly on the
archaeological remains. These would help explain and
highlight salient aspects of the remains.
The first known church was built on the same site and was
erected by the Desguanez and Bordini families in honour of
St. Paul. It is not known when this church was erected, but
in 1616 reference is made to this church during a pastoral
visit by Bishop Cagliares (Sultana, 2001). It states that the
building was old and in a bad state of repair.
The church that can be seen today was built and
sponsored by Grand Master Alof De Wignacourt who died in
1622. Thus it may be deduced that the existing church was
built between 1616 and 1622. During the period 1936-1938
a parvis was added in the front part of the church, facing
North East. This parvis was removed during the excavations
carried out in the 1960s, unfortunately once again impinging
directly on the existing landscape. Hence the main door of
the church is currently approximately three metres above the
exterior ground level.
The internal space of the church, measuring 8m by 3.5m,
is simple and consists of a tunnel vault divided into five bays
by means of ribs. Externally the architecture is also very
simple with a buttress along the South and the West facing
walls. The front elevation is symmetrical. The central door is
surrounded by a fascia with mouldings which are typical of
the period. The doorway is crowned by a circular window
which has an intricate lattice design in stonework. Two
symmetrical niches are located on the upper half of the
elevation.
During the extensive archaeological excavations that took
place underneath the church during the 1960s, the original
4
The new project is funded by the Italian government (Ministero
per gli Affari Esteri), under the Patronage of the Italian Embassy
and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Malta
Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes
Section III: Evolving townscapes and landscapes within their settings: managing dynamic change Section III: Gérer le changement – les villes et les paysages dans leur milieu
flooring of the church was removed. After the excavations
were concluded, wooden planks and iron beams replaced the
original flooring. A trap door within the wooden flooring in
the church allows access to the archaeological finds beneath
(Figure 7).
Abutting to the North wall one finds the sacristy that was
built ca.1930 and once more changed the impact of the
lonely church sitting in this marvellous site along a hillside.
The sacristy boasts of a loggia overlooking the East side that
originally led to the parvis.
As part of the museographic project, the church is
considered important because it allows more exhibition
space without the need to impinge on the landscape.
Refurbishment works will need to take into consideration the
fact that the church is used for religious functions once a
year on the feast of St. Paul. However, it can also serve as an
exhibition space for the site where the history of the church
can be explained and its possible connection with St. Paul
elaborated.
Though some localised monitoring has been carried out
on site, not enough information is currently available to
make a final decision possible. This monitoring needs to be
extended and prolonged, and the data needs to be carefully
evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team which must
necessarily be involved in the decisions pertaining to the
future of this multi-cultural site.
Major decisions need to be taken on the basis of further
scientific research i.e. whether the archaeological site can be
left exposed, covered with a structure, or whether for the
sake of its protection it should be re-buried. In the latter case
there will be no effect on the skyline or the cultural
landscape. It would imply though that visitors will not be
able to view the site directly except perhaps via virtual
reality. This may however be the price one must pay to
preserve the site for future generations.
The works required would consist mainly of upgrading
the church complex to provide basic services for visitors
and creating a welcoming environment. Besides the
refurbishment of the interior of the church, a conservation
project for the façade of the church will also be prepared.
This will mainly be a maintenance project since the external
walls are relatively in a good condition.
Conclusion
The landscape around the archaeological site of San Pawl
Milqi has constantly been changing over the centuries. From
a settlement in close proximity to a harbour and as the focus
of an agricultural estate, it is now on the suburb of an
ever-growing village, Burmarrad. A conservation project to
protect and present the site is now deemed urgent, not only
to give the site national importance and place it on the
cultural map of Malta, but also to preserve it from further
encroachment and possibly being entirely enclosed by
modern development.
The decision of how the archaeological area is to be
protected, and the location of a visitors’ centre, are crucial so
as not to impinge on the landscape but to help enhance it.
Due to its position, San Pawl Milqi is greatly exposed and
can be seen from many places on the island for an
appreciable distance. It also creates a visual landmark due to
the presence of the church. Thus, if it is decided to create an
enclosure or shelter for the archaeological site, not only will
the cultural landscape change dramatically, but one may also
impinge directly on the skyline.
Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes
Section III: Evolving townscapes and landscapes within their settings: managing dynamic change Section III: Gérer le changement – les villes et les paysages dans leur milieu
Abstract
San Pawl Milqi is found in the north-eastern part of the
island of Malta next to Salina bay and overlooking
Burmarrad valley. The site was originally situated on an
important harbour that is now silted, and was surrounded by
agricultural land. The area is rich in archaeological remains
belonging to different periods. The boundary wall of the
multi-cultural site incorporates an area of approximately
4000 m2. Within this area there is evidence of prehistoric
settlement, punic farmhouse, a rural villa belonging to the
end of the 2nd century B.C. and evidence of a later period
from the 1st to the 11th century A.D. There is evidence that at
least two churches were constructed on site. The potential
and value of San Pawl Milqi is historical and archaeological,
scientific, didactic, social and religious and most importantly
a very good example of an ever changing cultural landscape.
Recently there have been attempts in studying the
environment of the archaeological remains that are exposed
together with the environment of the archaeological remains
that are underneath the existing structure of the church. A
conservation plan for the site was also being set up that was
intended to lead to the presentation of the site to be public
due to a museographical project.
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Mattiae P.) Roma 2002, 295-318.
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and Internal Environment. Unpublished B.E.&A.
dissertation. University of Malta, 2003.
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Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes
Section III: Evolving townscapes and landscapes within their settings: managing dynamic change Section III: Gérer le changement – les villes et les paysages dans leur milieu
SAN PAWL MILQI , BURMARRAD , MALTA – PRESENTATION OF A
MULTI-CULTURAL SITE IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
Shirley Cefai , / Malta and Italy
Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Malta
Joann Cassar / Malta and Italy
Institute for Masonry and Construction Research, University of Malta
Davide Locatelli / Malta and Italy
Missione Archeologica Italiana, c/o Istituto di Archeologia, Università Cattolica di Milano, Italy
Figure 1 Map of Malta showing location of the site of San Pawl Milqi.
Figure 2 View of the Baroque church and its relationship to the archaeological site.
Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes
Section III: Evolving townscapes and landscapes within their settings: managing dynamic change Section III: Gérer le changement – les villes et les paysages dans leur milieu
Figure 3 Plan of the multi-cultural site showing also the superimposition of the church on the archaeological remains.
Figure 4 View of part of the site showing the boundary wall which surrounds only part of the remaining
archaeological structures.
Figure 5 Measures being taken to protect one of the friable oil vat found on site.
Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes
Section III: Evolving townscapes and landscapes within their settings: managing dynamic change Section III: Gérer le changement – les villes et les paysages dans leur milieu
Figure 6 Store rooms built during the 1960s and the encroaching village of Burmarrad.
Figure 7 Section through church and sacristy showing the archaeological remains located underneath.
Monuments and sites in their setting-Conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes